Beginning decorators often calculate the cost of materials, but safety is actually a more important concern. A trip to the emergency room will certainly blow your decorating budget – or worse. Our DIY safety tips can help you survive your project in one piece. And your budget will thank you, too.
1) Keep your eyes on what you are doing.Problems arise when pets, children and neighbors get underfoot. And put that phone down. Plan uninterrupted time for your DIY project, especially when dealing with the treacherous three: electrical, plumbing and gas. Power tools fall into this category, too.
2) Don’t be a chemist, unless you are one in real life.
Mixing chemicals – such as paints, cleaners, or strippers – is a bad idea unless you know what you are doing. Not only may it foul your project up, but it can also cause all kinds of disastrous health problems.
3) Research, research, research.
There is some great information on the Internet. There is some really bad information, too. When dealing with the more dangerous DIY projects, get your how-to information from certified trade sites or licensed professionals. Many licensed professionals share their knowledge for free online (like on About.com). Don’t be afraid to ask for credentials.
4) Brace yourself.
Falls are the leading cause of home injuries and deaths. Before beginning your project, learn how to use a ladder safely and don’t take chances with your life. Even a small fall can do serious damage to your most important project – yourself.
5) Protect yourself.
Eye protection is a must with most DIY projects. If you are going to be working high up, a body harness or safety line is not optional. Gloves are often important but can actually cause injuries if worn while using power tools. Again, before beginning any project, research and education is your friend.
6) Know when to call for help.
Just in case you don’t know - it is before the project begins. But if you are in the midst of a DIY project and notice yourself getting into trouble, stop the project immediately. Now is also a fine time to call in the pros. Don’t be one of those do-it-yourselfers who has to say, “If I had only stopped when…”
Most of these tips are common sense, but you’d be surprised how common sense can fly out the window in the middle of a DIY project. Risk is always a part of living, but take less to live well … and live to decorate another day.
